JP7239851B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and program.

In Patent Document 1, a target power for each climatic condition for each demand control target is set in advance, a seasonal forecast is acquired from a weather company through a network, and the applicable power for each demand control target is calculated based on the acquired seasonal forecast. A demand control operation support method is disclosed that selects a target power for a climatic condition and supplies the selected target power to a corresponding demand control target. In addition, the document describes that the demand values are sorted in descending order, and the minimum demand value whose cumulative period from the larger value is equal to the set period is obtained and set as the target power. .

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-176728

To make it easier to visually recognize the influence of demand control by setting the target value of power consumption using a graph showing the actual power consumption for each predetermined time period (for example, 30 minutes). can be done. However, if the date and time of each demand can be specified in the graph used to set the target value, the user can assume the influence of demand control based on the memory of the relevant date and time, and take this assumption into consideration when setting the target value. There is expected.

An object of the present disclosure is to contribute to improving the convenience of setting target values in demand control by providing information on the date and time of each time period in a graph showing power usage results for each time period.

An information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a display unit, a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a screen, and a reception unit that receives user settings related to power usage control, wherein the display control unit controls the display The information processing apparatus displays, in a graph, a power usage track record for each predetermined time period, and displays information about the date and time of the time period in the graph.
In this way, in the graph showing the power usage record for each time period, information on the date and time for each time period can be provided, contributing to improved convenience in setting target values in demand control.

Here, the graph may be a graph in which the power usage records for each of the time periods are arranged in order of size with respect to the power usage records for a predetermined period.
This makes it possible to refer to this graph when setting target values in demand control, thereby contributing to improved convenience in setting target values.

The receiving unit receives a selection of at least one of the power usage results for each time period in the graph displayed on the display unit, and the display control unit selects the time period selected in the graph. It is also possible to display on the display unit a time-series graph in which the actual power consumption for each time period in a specific period including the power consumption is arranged in time series.
In this way, it becomes possible for the user to refer to more detailed information regarding the time period of interest, including time periods around it, which contributes to improving the convenience of setting target values in demand control. can.

Further, the display control unit may display the power consumption of each facility device that uses power in a distinguishable manner in the time-series graph showing the power usage record for each time period in the specific period.
This makes it possible for the user to refer to more detailed information regarding the actual power usage in the time period of interest, which contributes to improved convenience in setting target values in demand control.

Further, when the information processing apparatus sets the power consumption in the selected time period as a target value based on the difference between the power consumption in the time period selected in the graph and the power consumption in the other time period. The configuration may further include calculation means for calculating the power reduction effect.
By doing so, it is possible to specify the power reduction effect of the target value to be set, so that it can be taken into consideration when setting the target value in the demand control.

Further, the display control unit may display information on the power reduction effect when the power consumption in the time period selected in the graph is set as a target value on the display unit.
In this way, it is possible to visually recognize the power reduction effect of the target value to be set, so that it can be taken into consideration when setting the target value in the demand control.

Further, the display control unit may display on the display unit the number of time periods in which power consumption is greater than the selected time period in the graph.
In this way, it is possible to visually grasp the relationship between the target value to be set and the power consumption for other time periods.

Further, the reception unit receives an operation for switching display on a screen displayed on the display unit, and the display control unit receives a setting related to power usage control by a user according to the operation received by the reception unit. It is also possible to switch between the operation screen for the power consumption and the display of the power usage record and display them on the display unit.
In this way, the user can refer to the graph showing the power usage record for each time period, in addition to the operation for accepting the settings related to power usage control.

Further, the reception unit receives an operation for displaying the power usage record, and the display control unit receives an operation screen for receiving a setting related to power usage control by a user according to the operation received by the reception unit. The graph may be displayed on the display section.
In this way, the user can immediately perform an operation for accepting settings related to power usage control on the screen on which the graph showing the power usage record for each time period is referenced.

Further, the reception unit receives an operation for displaying the power usage record, and the display control unit receives the operation received by the reception unit, before receiving a setting related to power usage control by a user, the graph is displayed. may be displayed on the display unit.
In this way, the user can previously refer to the graph showing the power usage record for each time period, separately from the operation for receiving the settings related to power usage control.

Further, the reception unit receives an operation for displaying the power usage record, and the display control unit displays the graph when receiving a user's setting related to power usage control in accordance with the operation received by the reception unit. It is good also as displaying on the said display part.
In this way, the user can perform an operation for accepting settings related to power usage control while referring to a screen that refers to a graph showing power usage results for each time period.

Further, the reception unit may include operation means for receiving settings related to power consumption control by a user's touch operation on the display unit.
In this way, setting can be performed by an intuitive operation of touching the graph displayed on the screen, which contributes to improving the convenience in setting the target value in the demand control.

Further, the program of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as display control means for displaying a screen on a display device, and reception means for receiving settings related to power usage control by a user, and the function of the display control means includes: In addition, the program displays the power usage record for each predetermined time period in a graph for each time period, and displays information regarding the date and time of the time period in the graph.
According to the computer installed with this program, it is possible to provide information on the date and time of each time period in a graph showing the power usage results for each time period, thereby contributing to improving the convenience of setting target values in demand control. can.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the whole control system structure of the equipment in which the information processing apparatus by this embodiment is utilized. It is a figure which shows the structure of a server. It is a figure which shows the structure of a control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of a control apparatus and a server. It is a figure which shows the structure of equipment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of a terminal device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen that displays power usage records based on the magnitude of average power usage; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second screen that displays power usage records for a specific period in chronological order;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a control system for equipment in which an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment is used. This control system includes a control device 100 , equipment 200 that is a device to be controlled, a server 300 , and a terminal device 400 . The control device 100 and the equipment 200 are connected via a network. This network may be a LAN (Local Area Network) using a dedicated line, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network) set on the Internet, or the like.

The equipment 200 is equipment or equipment that operates using electric power. The control device 100 controls the operation of one or more pieces of equipment 200 . FIG. 1 shows a configuration example in which a control device 100 controls a plurality of equipment 200. As shown in FIG. The facility equipment 200 is of any type as long as it is equipment or equipment that operates using electric power and whose operation is controlled by the control device 100 . In the following description, as a specific example of the equipment 200, an example in which the control system of the present embodiment is applied to control air conditioning equipment may be described.

In addition, the equipment 200 has control means for controlling itself according to instructions from the control device 100 . The control device 100 generates an instruction (hereinafter referred to as “control instruction”) for controlling the equipment 200 to be controlled, and transmits the generated control instruction to each equipment 200 . Each facility device 200 acquires a control instruction from the control device 100, configures itself according to the acquired control instruction, and controls its operation by means of its own control means.

Control device 100, server 300 and terminal device 400 are connected via a network. Although one control device 100 connected to the server 300 is shown in the configuration example shown in FIG. One or more pieces of equipment 200 are connected to each control device 100 . For example, the Internet is used as a network that connects the control device 100 and the server 300 . Also, LAN or WAN may be used.

The terminal device 400 is a device for connecting to the server 300, transmitting and receiving information, and setting the control system. Although the details will be described later, the terminal device 400 acquires information on power demand managed by the server 300 and presents it to the user. Moreover, the terminal device 400 sends the setting information of the target electric power based on the contract electric power to the server 300 according to a user's input.

<Relationship between electricity rate and control of equipment 200>
Here, electricity charges will be explained. Electricity charges mainly consist of a basic charge and an electric energy charge, and are specified on a monthly basis. The basic charge is calculated based on the basic charge unit price and the contract power. The contracted power is the maximum value of the maximum demanded power within one year from the current month. The maximum power demand is the maximum value of the average power consumption for each time period (demand time period: 30 minutes) of the month. The average power consumption is the average value of power demand (power consumption) in each time period. Also, the power charge is calculated based on the power charge unit price and the monthly power consumption.

As described above, the contract power is the maximum value of the maximum power demand within the past year. Therefore, if the maximum demanded power in a certain month (in other words, the average power consumption for a certain time period in that month) becomes the contracted power, even if the maximum demanded power continues to be lower than the contracted power after that month, 1 A basic charge based on this contracted power will be charged throughout the year. In addition, if the average power consumption exceeds the contract power value up to that time in a certain time period and becomes the maximum power demand for the month that includes that time period, the average power consumption (maximum power demand) for this time period will be used as the new contract power. , to be used in the subsequent calculation of basic charges.

In addition, there are various modes of setting the power unit price, and the power unit price may be set to fluctuate based on a predetermined condition. For example, there are cases where the power unit price is set to fluctuate depending on the time of day, whether it is a weekday or a holiday, the season, and the like. In addition, as electricity comes to be traded in the market, there are cases in which a unit price for electric energy is set that fluctuates by reflecting the trading price of electricity in the market.

In the control of the facility equipment 200 , there are cases in which control is performed with a view to reducing the electricity charges required for operating the facility equipment 200 . In this case, it is required to control the equipment 200 so that the average power consumption does not exceed the current contracted power. In addition, when the unit price of electricity varies, it is more efficient to reduce the amount of electricity used during times when the unit price is higher than during times when the unit price is lower, from the viewpoint of lowering the electricity bill. However, while the power unit price affects only the power rate for each time period, the contract power affects the power rate for one year after the current month. For this reason, control taking into account the average power consumption is given priority over control taking into account fluctuations in the unit price of electricity. Control performed so that the average power consumption does not exceed the current contracted power is called demand control.

Electricity charges are imposed on consumers who are contractors of power supply. A customer has one or more pieces of equipment 200 . The control device 100 controls one or a plurality of consumer equipment 200 . In addition, the control device 100 calculates the average power consumption and the unit price of electricity for each time period for the facility equipment 200 of each consumer according to the electricity charges (basic charge and power charge) set for each consumer. Take control into consideration. Details of the specific control of the equipment 200 by the control device 100 will be described later.

<Configuration of Server 300>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the server 300. As shown in FIG. The server 300 is realized, for example, as a server built on a network cloud environment (so-called cloud server). The server 300 includes a consumer management unit 310 , a performance information management unit 320 , a target power setting unit 330 , a control information generation unit 340 , an operation reception control unit 350 and a communication control unit 360 .

The customer management unit 310 manages customer information. The consumer information includes, for example, the contract power of each consumer and the information of the equipment 200 owned by each consumer, in addition to the information specifying the consumer itself.

The performance information management unit 320 acquires and manages the performance information of the equipment 200 of each consumer. The performance information includes information on the operation status of the equipment 200 (hereinafter referred to as "operation information"), information on average power consumption for each time period based on actual operation, and the like. The information on the average power consumption for each time period also includes the date and time specifying each time period. The performance information management unit 320 acquires performance information from, for example, the control device 100 that controls the equipment 200 of each consumer. After the end of each time period, the performance information management unit 320 acquires the performance information in the ended time period and stores it in a storage device (not shown). As for the method of acquiring performance information, it is possible to acquire performance information for each time period at any time when the individual time period ends and it becomes possible to acquire performance information, or periodically collect performance information for multiple time periods ( For example, it may be acquired in units of one day.

The target power setting unit 330 sets a target value (hereinafter referred to as “target power”) of the average power consumption for each time period by the equipment 200 of each consumer. When the average power consumption by the consumer's power consumption exceeds the contract power, this average power consumption becomes the new contract power, which raises the basic charge in the electricity bill. Therefore, in the operation of demand control, a target power is set based on the contract power, and control is performed so that the average power consumption for each time period does not exceed the target power. The target power is set to a value equal to or less than the contract power, for example, a value lower than the contract power by a certain value.

The target power setting unit 330 may predict the average power consumption of each consumer's equipment 200 for each time period, and set the target power for each consumer's average power consumption for each time period based on the prediction result. Prediction of average power usage can be performed by various existing prediction methods. For example, it is conceivable to accumulate the environmental information and operation information of the equipment 200 and the actual power usage, and predict the average power consumption from the envisaged environment and the operating state of the equipment 200 in a future time period. Information such as environment information, operation information, and power usage history of the equipment 200 can be collected in each equipment 200 and acquired via the control device 100, for example. For example, the performance information acquired from the control device 100 by the performance information management unit 320 may be used as the operation information and the information on the power usage history.

Furthermore, the target power setting unit 330 may take into account information regarding the target power sent from the terminal device 400 when setting the target power. Although the details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 400 receives an input of an assumed value of the target power from the user. It is conceivable that the target power setting unit 330 sets the target value based on the assumed value of the target power, for example, to be equal to or less than the assumed value or to be equal to or greater than the assumed value. Further, when the target power setting unit 330 acquires the setting instruction and the assumed value of the target power from the terminal device 400, the acquired assumed value may be set as the target power as it is.

The control information generator 340 generates control information for controlling the equipment 200 of each consumer. The control information instructs the control device 100 to control the facility equipment 200 so that the average power consumption for each time period by the equipment 200 of the customer does not exceed the target power for that time period for the customer set by the target power setting unit 330. This is the information to be controlled. The control information generation unit 340 generates control information for a corresponding time period before the time period for performing control based on each control information is started.

The operation acceptance control unit 350 accepts an operation performed on the terminal device 400 by the user. Specifically, for example, an operation screen is provided, displayed on the terminal device 400, and an operation on the displayed operation screen is accepted. Although the details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the operation screen presents the average power usage record information for each time period obtained by the operation of the facility equipment 200 of the consumer. Specifically, the performance information of the corresponding time period is obtained from the performance information management unit 320, graphed, and an operation screen is created. Graphs of this performance information include a graph in which the average power consumption (actual power usage) for each time period is arranged in descending order, and a graph in which the average power consumption is arranged in chronological order. Details of these graphs will be described later. Further, when an assumed target power value (described later) is input in the terminal device 400 and an operation to transmit it to the server 300 is performed, the operation reception control unit 350 receives this assumed target power value, and the target power setting unit 330 send to

The communication control unit 360 transmits the control information generated by the control information generation unit 340 to the control device 100 that controls the customer equipment 200 corresponding to each control information. The communication control unit 360 transmits the control information for the corresponding time period to the control device 100 before the time period for performing control based on each control information is started. When transmitting the control information for each time period to the control device 100, the communication control unit 360 transmits the control information to reduce the average power consumption in the time period immediately before the time period to be transmitted. may be transmitted before the control information for increasing the average power consumption in .

Also, the communication control unit 360 transmits and receives information according to an access request from the terminal device 400 . Specifically, the communication control unit 360 transmits an operation screen for operating the terminal device 400 . The communication control unit 360 receives information and commands based on operations performed on the terminal device 400 .

<Configuration of control device 100>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100. As shown in FIG. Control device 100 is realized as an information processing device connected to server 300 and equipment 200 via a network. The control device 100 may be a device (for example, edge server) provided near the equipment 200 to be controlled, or may be a server (cloud server) built on a cloud environment. The control device 100 includes a control information acquisition section 110 , an operation information acquisition section 120 , a storage section 130 , a control instruction generation section 140 , a control instruction output section 150 and an operation information output section 160 .

The control information acquisition unit 110 acquires control information of the equipment 200 from the server 300 . The control information includes target power information of average power consumption set for each consumer. The control information acquisition unit 110 acquires the control information for the corresponding time period before the equipment 200 is controlled based on the control information for each time period.

The operation information acquisition unit 120 acquires operation information of the equipment 200 that is the control target of the control device 100 . Here, the operation information acquired by the operation information acquiring unit 120 broadly includes various information regarding the operation of the equipment 200 . For example, it includes information representing the operating state of the equipment 200, such as the operating rate and continuous operating time. In addition, various information that may affect the operation of the equipment 200 may be included, such as the time zone in which it was operated, whether it is operated on weekdays or on holidays, and the like. Furthermore, the operation information acquisition unit 120 may acquire information (environmental information) of the environment in which the equipment 200 is installed, such as temperature and humidity. These pieces of information can be obtained by various existing methods depending on the type of information. For example, it can be obtained from the equipment 200 itself, or it can be obtained from various sensor devices. Information on the date and time can be obtained by, for example, a clock function or a calendar function provided in the control device 100 .

Storage unit 130 stores various types of information acquired by control information acquisition unit 110 and operation information acquisition unit 120 . The control information acquired by the control information acquisition unit 110 is used to control the equipment 200 . The control information is stored in the storage unit 130 before the start of the time period during which the control based on the control information is performed. The operation information of the equipment 200 acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 120 is sent to the server 300 at a predetermined timing and managed by the performance information management unit 320 of the server 300 .

The control instruction generation unit 140 generates control instructions for controlling the equipment 200 based on the control information acquired by the control information acquisition unit 110 . The control instruction generation unit 140 generates a control instruction to operate the facility equipment 200 so that the average electric power used by the facility equipment 200 of each customer for each time period does not exceed the target electric power set for the customer for each time period. Generate. When one consumer has a plurality of equipment 200, for each time period, the integrated value of the average power consumption of all the equipment 200 owned by the one consumer does not exceed the target power for the corresponding time period. A control directive is generated. In this case, in order not to exceed the target power, there is no particular limitation on the method by which the consumer allocates the power to his or her own equipment 200 . For example, they may be allocated evenly according to the type of equipment 200, the size of the equipment, and the like. Alternatively, sufficient power may be allocated to a specific equipment 200 and the remaining power may be allocated to other equipment 200 . Also, during a certain period of time, some of the equipment 200 may not be operated and only some of the equipment 200 may use power. Further, the control instruction generation unit 140 may generate the control instruction by taking into account the operation information of the equipment 200 acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 120 .

The control instruction output unit 150 outputs the control instruction generated by the control instruction generation unit 140 based on the control information acquired by the control information acquisition unit 110 to the storage unit when the time period for performing control based on the control information starts. 130 and transmitted to the equipment 200 to be controlled by each control instruction.

The operation information output unit 160 reads the operation information of the equipment 200 acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 120 and held in the storage unit 130 from the storage unit 130 and transmits the operation information to the server 300 according to a predetermined condition. The readout and transmission of the operating information may be performed in response to a request from the server 300, or may be performed periodically at a fixed time of the day.

<Hardware Configuration of Control Device 100 and Server 300>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the control device 100 and the server 300. As shown in FIG. Control device 100 and server 300 are implemented by, for example, a computer. Even when the control device 100 and the server 300 are realized as a server built in a cloud environment, they are configured as a virtual system using the system resources of physical computers on the network as shown in FIG. be.

A computer that realizes the control device 100 and the server 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 as a computing means, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, and a storage device 104 as storage means. Prepare. A RAM 102 is a main storage device (main memory) and is used as a working memory when the CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing. The ROM 103 holds programs and data such as preset values, and the CPU 101 can directly read the programs and data from the ROM 103 to execute processing. The storage device 104 is means for storing programs and data. A program is stored in the storage device 104, and the CPU 101 loads the program stored in the storage device 104 into the main storage device and executes it. In addition, the result of processing by the CPU 101 is stored and saved in the storage device 104 . As the storage device 104, for example, a magnetic disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used.

When the control device 100 is realized by the computer shown in FIG. 4, the control information acquisition unit 110, the operation information acquisition unit 120, the control instruction generation unit 140, the control instruction output unit 150 and the operation information output described with reference to FIG. Each function of the unit 160 is implemented, for example, by the CPU 101 executing a program. The storage unit 130 is realized by the RAM 102 and the storage device 104, for example. Further, when the server 300 is implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 4, the consumer management unit 310, the performance information management unit 320, the target power setting unit 330, the control information generation unit 340, and the operation reception unit described with reference to FIG. Each function of the control unit 350 and the communication control unit 360 is realized, for example, by the CPU 101 executing a program. It should be noted that the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example of a case where the control device 100 is implemented by a computer.

<Configuration of equipment 200>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 200. As shown in FIG. The equipment 200 includes a reception unit 210 , an operation control unit 220 and an output unit 230 . The equipment 200 has a mechanism or device that operates to realize the function of the equipment 200 according to its type. For example, when the equipment 200 is an air conditioner, the equipment 200 has an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and the like. Moreover, when the equipment 200 is lighting equipment, the equipment 200 has a lighting fixture, a control switch, and the like. Since the types and modes of such mechanisms vary depending on the types of equipment 200, they are not illustrated here.

Accepting unit 210 accepts a control instruction output from control device 100 via a network using a network interface (not shown).

The operation control unit 220 controls operations of mechanisms and devices provided in the equipment 200 based on the control instructions received by the receiving unit 210 . Specifically, for example, when the facility equipment 200 is an air conditioner, the reception unit 210 receives information specifying a set temperature as a control instruction, and the operation control unit 220 controls the indoor unit and the air conditioner to achieve the received set temperature. Controls the operation of the outdoor unit. Although an example of control related to temperature setting is given here, the operation control unit 220 also controls various other types of control related to gases that can be controlled by air conditioning equipment (for example, control of humidity and gas components). Instruction-based controls may be applied. Also, in various types of facility equipment 200 other than air conditioners, the operation control unit 220 executes control according to the type of facility equipment 200 according to control instructions received from the control device 100 .

The output unit 230 outputs information about the operating state of the equipment 200 to the control device 100 via a network using a network interface (not shown).

The receiving unit 210, the operation control unit 220, and the output unit 230 are realized by, for example, a computer. A computer that implements the operation control unit 220 may have the configuration described with reference to FIG. In this case, each function of the reception unit 210, the operation control unit 220, and the output unit 230 is realized by executing a program by the CPU 101 shown in FIG. 4, for example. Also, each function of the reception unit 210, the operation control unit 220, and the output unit 230 may be realized by dedicated hardware. For example, it is realized by ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and other circuits. Furthermore, functions realized by CPU 101 executing a program (software) and functions realized by dedicated hardware may be combined to form reception unit 210, operation control unit 220, and output unit 230. FIG.

<Configuration of Terminal Device 400>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 400. As shown in FIG. Terminal device 400 is implemented as an information processing device connectable to server 300 via a network. Specifically, for example, an information device such as a personal computer, a tablet information terminal, or a smart phone can be used as the terminal device 400 . The terminal device 400 includes a display section 410 , a reception section 420 , a display control section 430 , a processing section 440 and a communication control section 450 .

The display unit 410 displays various screens. The screens displayed on display unit 410 include an operation screen for accepting user operations, an information presentation screen for presenting various information to the user, and the like. These screens also include screens received from the server 300 by the communication control unit 450 . The details of the screen acquired from the server 300 and displayed on the display unit 410 in this embodiment will be described later.

Accepting unit 420 accepts an input operation by the user. As will be described later, a touch panel combining a touch sensor and a display area of the display unit 410 may be provided as the reception unit 420 to receive an operation performed by touching an operation screen displayed on the display unit 410 . With such a configuration of the receiving unit 420, an input operation, an operation for displaying specific information, an operation for switching screens, and the like can be performed by an intuitive operation of touching the screen.

The display control unit 430 controls screen display on the display unit 410 . Specifically, for example, based on information acquired from the server 300 , a screen is configured and displayed on the display unit 410 , or switching of display on the display unit 410 is controlled.

The processing unit 440 performs various kinds of arithmetic processing. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 440 performs calculations related to power and electricity charges based on actual information on average power consumption in accordance with operations performed on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 410 .

The communication control unit 450 connects to the server 300 and transmits and receives information. Specifically, communication control unit 450 receives information about a screen to be displayed on display unit 410 from server 300 . The communication control unit 450 also transmits information indicating the content of the user's operation received by the receiving unit 420 and the processing result of the processing unit 440 to the server 300 .

<Hardware Configuration of Terminal Device 400>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the terminal device 400. As shown in FIG. Terminal device 400 is implemented by, for example, a computer. A computer that realizes the terminal device 400 includes a CPU 401 as computing means, a RAM 402 and a ROM 403 as storage means, a storage device 404 , a display device 405 and an input device 406 . A RAM 402 is a main storage device and is used as a working memory when the CPU 401 performs arithmetic processing. The ROM 403 holds programs and data such as set values prepared in advance, and the CPU 401 can directly read the programs and data from the ROM 403 and execute processing. The storage device 404 is means for storing programs and data. A program is stored in the storage device 404, and the CPU 401 loads the program stored in the storage device 404 into the main storage device and executes it. In addition, the result of processing by the CPU 401 is stored and saved in the storage device 404 . As the storage device 404, for example, a magnetic disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used.

A display device 405 is display means for displaying an image under the control of the CPU 401 . As the display device 405, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like is used. The input device 406 is input means for a user to perform an input operation. As the input device 406, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and an input device such as a touch sensor are used. A touch panel in which a transparent touch sensor is used as the input device 406, and this touch sensor is placed so as to overlap the display area of the display device 405, and input can be made by touching an operation screen displayed on the display device 405 with a finger or the like. may be configured.

When the terminal device 400 is implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 7, the functions of the display control unit 430, the processing unit 440, and the communication control unit 450 described with reference to FIG. It is realized by The display unit 410 is implemented by the display device 405 . The receiving unit 420 is implemented by the input device 406 . It should be noted that the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example when the terminal device 400 is implemented by a computer.

<Display screen and operations on the display screen>
Next, a display screen displayed on the display unit 410 of the terminal device 400 and an operation performed by the user using this display screen will be described. In the present embodiment, the display unit 410 displays a first screen that displays the actual power usage of the customer for each time period based on the magnitude of the average power usage, and a second screen that displays the results in chronological order. Each screen will be described below.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the first screen that displays the actual power usage based on the magnitude of the average power usage. The first screen shown in FIG. 8 displays a graph 411 in which the average power consumption for each time period in a predetermined period (for example, one year) is indicated by the length of a bar corresponding to the magnitude of power. The average power usage for each time period shown in the graph 411 of FIG. 8 is the actual power usage for each time period in a predetermined period. In the graph 411 shown in FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents the order based on the average power consumption, and the vertical axis representing the length of the bar graph for each time period represents the average power consumption ("demand (kW) ”). Therefore, in the graph 411, the time periods included in the predetermined period are displayed in descending order of average power consumption from the left end to the right. Note that when the display area of the display unit 410 cannot display the bar graphs for all the time periods in the predetermined period, only a part of the time periods included in the predetermined period is displayed on the display unit 410, and scrolling or changing the display range is performed. It may be displayed so that the whole can be visually recognized by screen operation such as switching. In the example shown in FIG. 8, bar graphs of 30 time periods are displayed in descending order of average power consumption among the time periods included in the predetermined period. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the bar graphs for each time period are simply arranged in order of the average power consumption, but each bar graph may be given an ordinal number indicating the order of the average power consumption.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the bar graph of each time period displays information on the date and time of each time period in association with each corresponding time period. For example, the leftmost bar graph with the largest average power consumption displays "08:00, February 07, 20XX" as the date and time information, and the time limit started at 8:00 on the displayed date. It can be seen that the average power consumption of As a result, in the bar graph for each time period arranged according to the magnitude of the average power consumption regardless of the chronological order, it is possible to intuitively know which time period the highest (or lowest) average power consumption is due to. It becomes easy to grasp.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the relevant date and time information is displayed in association with the bar graph of each time period, but the information displayed in association with the bar graph of each time period is not limited to the date and time information. For example, in addition to or in place of date and time information, information representing seasonal events such as spring, summer, autumn and winter, New Year's Day, equinoctial week, Golden Week, and Christmas may be displayed in association with bar graphs for each time period. Further, when an event such as a ceremony or a meeting is held at a facility where the equipment 200 is installed, the information of the event may be displayed in association with the time-limited bar graph corresponding to the date and time when the event was held. good. Such additional information may be displayed in text form, like the date and time information in the example of FIG. 8, or may be displayed as marks set in association with various types of information. Also, the display mode of the date and time information may be changed according to the information to be added. For example, the season may be associated with a display color such as red for spring, blue for summer, green for autumn, and black for winter, and the date and time information may be displayed in a display color corresponding to the season. In addition, in the initial state, only the date and time information is displayed, and when the user performs an operation to select any date and time, the additional information corresponding to the selected date and time is displayed in a so-called tool tip, pop-up window, or the like. Display means may be used for display. The operation of selecting the date and time may be, for example, a mouse-over operation in which the mouse pointer is positioned on the display of the target date and time, or a contact operation in which the display of the target date and time is touched on the touch panel for a certain period of time or longer.

Information on the date and time is obtained from the server 300 together with information on average power consumption for each time period. It has already been described that such date and time information is acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 120 of the control device 100, included in the performance information of the equipment 200, and managed by the performance information management unit 320 of the server 300, for example. In addition, the information on the seasons and seasonal events may be obtained from an external database that stores information on such calendars in the server 300, or may be obtained from a storage means of the server 300 (for example, in FIG. 4). It may be held in the shown storage device 104). In addition, if the information of the event unique to the facility where the equipment 200 is installed is stored in the storage unit 130 of the control device 100 that manages the equipment 200 of the consumer, for example, the server 300 It can be obtained from the control device 100 .

On the first screen, the user can specify an assumed target power value. In the example shown in FIG. 8, an input field 412a provided at the lower left of the graph 411 is entered with an assumed target power value of “88 kW”. Button objects “▲” and “▼” for changing numerical values are displayed in the input field 412a shown in FIG. "▲" is a button for increasing the numerical value, and "▼" is a button for decreasing the numerical value. It should be noted that numerical values may be entered by text entry in the entry field 412a without using these buttons. Alternatively, as a method of inputting the assumed target power value, selection of a bar graph of the average power consumption in one time period may be accepted, and the average power consumption in the selected time period may be set as the assumed target power value. In the example shown in FIG. 8, in the graph 411, the bar graph of the sixth time period from the left end is selected (shaded bar graph in FIG. 8), and the average power consumption of this time period is set to the assumed value of the target power. It is shown that The bar graph selection operation may be, for example, a mouse click on one of the bar graphs for each time period displayed in the graph 411, or a contact operation of touching one of the bar graphs on the touch panel.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 8, when an assumed target power value is input by a user's input operation, the input assumed target power value is displayed on the graph 411 of the first screen. As a display representing the assumed value of the target power, for example, a line (hereinafter referred to as a "demand target line") 412b is displayed at the position of the value of the average power consumption corresponding to the assumed value of the target power on the graph 411. Also good. In the example shown in FIG. 8, in the graph 411, the demand target line 412b is displayed at the same height (88 kW) as the sixth bar graph from the left end.

When the assumed value of the target power is input on the first screen, the terminal device 400 calculates the power reduction effect when demand control is performed with this assumed value set as the actual target power. In the example shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the maximum average power consumption (contract power) for the period (one year) displayed in the graph 411 on the first screen is 101 kW. Also, as described above, in the example of FIG. 8, 88 kW was input as the assumed value of the target power. The difference between this contract power and the assumed value of the target power is 13 kW. Therefore, if demand control is performed with the target power set to 88 kW in the future and the contract power is reduced from 101 kW to 88 kW, the reduction will be 13 kW. In addition, the terminal device 400 calculates how much the electricity bill will decrease due to the decrease in the contract demand. Then, the calculation result is displayed on the first screen. In the example shown in FIG. 8, in the reduction effect display column 413 provided in the upper right of the graph 411, the reduction amount of the contract power (in FIG. 8, "demand (peak power)" and Description) "13 kW" and the decrease in electricity rate "227,500 yen" based on this contract power decrease are displayed. In addition, both values are displayed with downward arrows near them to indicate the amount of decrease.

Further, when an assumed target power value is input on the first screen, the terminal device 400 selects the time period displayed in the graph 411 in which the average power consumption is greater than the input assumed target power value. is specified, and the number thereof is displayed on the first screen. As described above, in the first screen, when the assumed value of the target power is the same value as the average power consumption in the sixth time period from the left end in the graph 411, the time period in which the average power consumption was greater than this assumed value is Five. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the number of time periods in which the average power consumption was greater than the assumed value of the target power is displayed in the excess time period display column 414 provided in the upper left of the graph 411 (in FIG. 8, the number of time periods exceeding the target power number”) “5” is displayed. Here, if the target electric power in demand control is lowered, the electric power used by the equipment 200 will be restricted. Therefore, the function of the equipment 200 is deteriorated, and the user's comfort and convenience of the equipment 200 are impaired. In this embodiment, as described above, by presenting the number of time periods in which the average power consumption is greater than the assumed value of the target power, the user who refers to this can set the assumed value as the actual target power. It becomes easy to intuitively grasp to what extent comfort and convenience are impaired when demand control is performed. Here, the number of periods in which the average power consumption was greater than the assumed target power was specified and displayed. It is not limited to this example. For example, the number of time periods in which the average power consumption was less than or equal to the assumed value of the target power may be specified and displayed.

Moreover, although not shown in FIG. 8, a button object (hereinafter referred to as a “send button”) for transmitting the assumed value of the target power to the server 300 may be provided on the first screen. When the estimated target power is input as described above and the user operates the send button, the communication control unit 450 sends the input estimated target power to the server 300 . The server 300 can use the information on the assumed value of the target power acquired from the terminal device 400 to set the target power by the target power setting unit 330 . Furthermore, regarding the transmission of the assumed value of the target power, there may be provided a mode of transmitting as one of the information to be taken into account in setting the target power in the server 300 and a mode of transmitting it as the set value of the target power. When the assumed value of the target power is transmitted to the server 300 in the latter transmission mode, the assumed value of the target power input at the terminal device 400 is set as the target power as it is. As a specific operation method, for example, when the user operates the send button, the server 300 inquires whether to transmit as information to be considered for setting the target power or to transmit as the set value of the target power. A message may be displayed and the user's selection may be accepted.

The first screen also functions as an operation screen for displaying the second screen including one time limit. When the user selects one time period on the first screen and performs a screen switching operation, terminal device 400 calculates the average power consumption for each time period in a specific period (for example, one day) including the selected time period. The second screen to be displayed in series is displayed on the display unit 410 . The screen switching operation may be, for example, a mouse double-click on one of the time period bar graphs displayed in the graph 411 . Also, on the touch panel, a touch operation or the like may be performed in which one of the bar graphs is touched in an operation mode different from the selection operation of the bar graph in inputting the assumed value of the target power. Also, although not shown in FIG. 8, a button object for screen switching is displayed on the first screen, and after selecting one bar graph, the screen is switched by operating the button object for screen switching. You can do it.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second screen that displays the power usage record for a specific period in chronological order. The second screen shown in FIG. 9 is a screen displayed by selecting one period of June 5th in the first screen. On the second screen shown in FIG. 9, the average power consumption for each time period is displayed in chronological order from the time period starting at 00:00 on June 5th to the time period starting at 23:30, corresponding to the magnitude of power. A bar graph with bar lengths is displayed. A graph 415 shown on the second screen is an example of a time-series graph. By referring to the graph 411 on the first screen and displaying the graph 415 of the average power consumption for a specific period including the time period, the user can see the average power consumption before and after the time period. You can get detailed information including:

The second screen may display the power consumption of each facility device 200 in a distinguishable manner among the average power consumption in each time period. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the average power consumption of the entire facility equipment 200 and the average power consumption of some of the equipment equipment 200 (for example, air conditioners) in each time period are displayed so as to be distinguishable. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the thin bar graph is the average power consumption for each time period in the entire equipment 200 . The thick bar graph superimposed on the graph of the average power consumption for the entire equipment 200 is the power consumption for each average time period in some of the equipment 200 . Here, the average power consumption of the entire equipment 200 and the average power consumption of some of the equipment 200 are displayed in a distinguishable manner. may be displayed in a distinguishable manner by, for example, using different display colors.

In the above display example, the terminal device 400 first displays the first screen, identifies one time period from the first screen, and switches the display to the second screen. The two-screen display method is not limited to the above example. For example, when displaying the second screen including the average power consumption for one time period from the first screen, the first screen and the second screen may be displayed simultaneously in the display area of the display unit 410 . In this case, the first screen and the second screen are both displayed on the display unit 410 instead of the screen switching display by the same operation as the mouse operation or the contact operation used for the screen switching operation. Also good. Also, by displaying a button object for displaying the second screen on the first screen, selecting one bar graph, and then operating the button object for displaying the second screen, the first screen and the second screen are displayed. You can make it work.

In the terminal device 400 , the display of the first screen and the second screen is controlled by the display control section 430 . On the first screen, the display control unit 430 arranges the power usage results for each time period in a predetermined period in order based on the magnitude of the average power consumption, and adds information on the date and time of the time period corresponding to each time period. Graph 411 is displayed. In addition, the display control unit 430 displays, on the second screen, a graph 415 in which the power usage results for each time period in a specific period including the one time period selected on the first screen are arranged in chronological order.

In the above example, the first screen and the second screen are generated by the server 300, and the display control unit 430 causes the display unit 410 to display the first screen and the second screen obtained from the server 300. operation is not limited to this. For example, information necessary for creating the first screen and the second screen may be acquired from the server 300 , and the display control unit 430 may generate the first screen and the second screen and display them on the display unit 410 .

In addition, various data processing based on the assumed value of the target power input on the first screen (for example, calculation of the power reduction effect, calculation of the position of the demand target line, average power consumption larger than the assumed value calculation of the number of time periods, etc.) is performed by the processing unit 440 .

Various operations on the first screen are accepted by the accepting unit 420 . When the reception unit 420 is configured by a touch panel that combines a touch sensor and the display area of the display unit 410, operations such as selection of a time period for inputting an assumed value of the target power, switching of screens, etc. It can be realized by an intuitive operation of touching the graph displayed on the screen.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 400 that can be connected to the server 300 via the network is used to perform operations such as displaying graphs on the first screen and the second screen, and inputting estimated target power values. and On the other hand, for example, a display device and an input device (not shown) of the control device 100 may be used to display the first screen and the second screen and perform input operations.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a transmission button is provided on the first screen and an input estimated target power value is transmitted to the server 300 . In other words, in the terminal device 400, it can be said that the first screen is displayed when accepting the user's setting regarding the control of the average power consumption for each time period. On the other hand, an operation screen for transmitting the estimated value or set value of the target power to the server 300 is provided separately from the first screen, and the user can refer to the first screen or the second screen to After determining the setting, it may be configured to transmit the assumed value or set value of the target power determined by the operation screen for transmission. In other words, this can be said to be a configuration in which the terminal device 400 displays the first screen before accepting the user's setting regarding the control of the average power consumption for each time period. In addition, the present disclosure includes various modifications and configuration alternatives that do not depart from the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure.

Here, the embodiment described above can be understood as follows. The information processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a display unit 410, a display control unit 430 that displays a screen on the display unit 410, and a reception unit 420 that receives settings related to power usage control by a user. is an information processing apparatus that displays, on a display unit 410, power usage results for each predetermined time period in graphs 411 for each time period, and for displaying information on the date and time of each time period in this graph 411.
In this way, in the graph showing the power usage record for each time period, information on the date and time for each time period can be provided, contributing to improved convenience in setting target values in demand control.

Here, the graph 411 may be a graph 411 in which the power usage records for each time period are arranged in order of size with respect to the power usage records in a predetermined period.
This makes it possible to refer to this graph when setting target values in demand control, thereby contributing to improved convenience in setting target values.

Further, the receiving unit 420 receives a selection of at least one of the power usage results for each time period in the graph 411 displayed on the display unit 410, and the display control unit 430 selects a specific period including the time period selected in the graph 411. The display unit 410 may display a time-series graph 415 in which the power usage record for each time period is arranged in chronological order.
In this way, it becomes possible for the user to refer to more detailed information regarding the time period of interest, including time periods around it, which contributes to improving the convenience of setting target values in demand control. can.

Further, the display control unit 430 may display the power consumption of each facility device that uses power in a distinguishable manner in the time-series graph 415 showing the power usage record for each time period in a specific period.
This makes it possible for the user to refer to more detailed information regarding the actual power usage in the time period of interest, which contributes to improved convenience in setting target values in demand control.

In addition, this information processing apparatus can reduce power consumption when setting the power consumption in the selected time period as a target value based on the difference between the power consumption in the time period selected in the graph 411 and the power consumption in other time periods. The configuration may further include a processing unit 440 that calculates the effect.
By doing so, it is possible to specify the power reduction effect of the target value to be set, so that it can be taken into consideration when setting the target value in the demand control.

Further, the display control unit 430 may display on the display unit 410 information on the power reduction effect when the power consumption in the time period selected in the graph 411 is set as the target value.
In this way, it is possible to visually recognize the power reduction effect of the target value to be set, so that it can be taken into consideration when setting the target value in the demand control.

In addition, the display control unit 430 may display the number of time periods in which the power consumption is greater than the selected time period on the display unit 410 in the graph 411 .
In this way, it is possible to visually grasp the relationship between the target value to be set and the power consumption for other time periods.

In addition, the receiving unit 420 receives an operation to switch the display on the screen displayed on the display unit 410, and the display control unit 430 receives a setting regarding control of power usage by the user according to the operation received by the receiving unit 420. The display unit 410 may switch between the operation screen for power consumption and the display of the power usage record.
In this way, the user can refer to the graph showing the power usage record for each time period, in addition to the operation for accepting the settings related to power usage control.

In addition, the receiving unit 420 receives an operation to display the power usage record, and the display control unit 430 responds to the operation received by the receiving unit 420 to display an operation screen for receiving a setting related to control of power usage by the user as well as a graph. 411 may be displayed on the display unit 410 .
In this way, the user can immediately perform an operation for accepting settings related to power usage control on the screen on which the graph showing the power usage record for each time period is referenced.

Further, the reception unit 420 receives an operation to display the power usage record, and the display control unit 430 displays the graph 411 according to the operation received by the reception unit 420, before receiving the user's setting related to power usage control. It may be displayed on the display unit 410 .
In this way, the user can previously refer to the graph showing the power usage record for each time period, separately from the operation for receiving the settings related to power usage control.

Further, the receiving unit 420 receives an operation to display the power usage record, and the display control unit 430 displays the graph 411 when receiving the user's setting related to power usage control in accordance with the operation received by the receiving unit 420. It may be displayed on the part 410 .
In this way, the user can perform an operation for accepting settings related to power usage control while referring to a screen that refers to a graph showing power usage results for each time period.

Further, the reception unit 420 may include operation means for receiving settings related to power consumption control by a user's touch operation on the display unit 410 .
In this way, setting can be performed by an intuitive operation of touching the graph displayed on the screen, which contributes to improving the convenience in setting the target value in the demand control.

Further, the program of the present disclosure causes the computer to function as display control means for displaying a screen on the display device and reception means for receiving settings related to control of power consumption by the user, and the function of the display control means causes the display device to: This is a program for displaying power usage results for each predetermined time period in graphs 411 for each time period, and for displaying information on the date and time of each time period in this graph 411 .
According to the computer installed with this program, it is possible to provide information on the date and time of each time period in a graph showing the power usage results for each time period, thereby contributing to improving the convenience of setting target values in demand control. can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Control apparatus, 200... Equipment, 300... Server, 310... Consumer management part, 320... Performance information management part, 330... Target power setting part, 340... Control information generation part, 350... Operation reception control part, 360 Communication control unit 400 Terminal device 410 Display unit 411 Graph 415 Graph 420 Receiving unit 430 Display control unit 440 Processing unit 450 Communication control unit

Claims (12)

a display unit;
a display control unit for displaying a screen on the display unit;
a reception unit that receives settings related to power usage control by a user,
The display control unit causes the display unit to display the power usage record for each predetermined time period in a graph for each time period, and to display information regarding the date and time of the time period in the graph ,
The receiving unit receives a selection of at least one of the power usage records for each time period in the graph displayed on the display unit;
The information processing device, wherein the display control unit displays on the display unit a time-series graph in which power usage results for each time period in a specific period including the time period selected in the graph are arranged in time series. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said graph is a graph in which the power usage records for each time period are arranged in order of size with respect to the power usage records for a predetermined period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit displays the power consumption of each facility device that uses power in a distinguishable manner in the time-series graph showing the power usage record for each time period in the specific period. . Calculation for calculating the power reduction effect when the setting is performed with the power consumption in the selected time period as a target value, based on the difference between the power consumption in the time period selected in the graph and the power consumption in another time period 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said display control unit displays information on said power reduction effect when said power consumption in said time period selected in said graph is set as a target value on said display unit. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display control unit displays on said display unit the number of time periods in which power consumption is greater than said selected time period in said graph. The receiving unit receives an operation to switch display on a screen displayed on the display unit,
wherein the display control unit switches between an operation screen for receiving a setting related to power usage control by a user and a display of the power usage record on the display unit according to an operation received by the receiving unit. Item 1. The information processing apparatus according to item 1. The receiving unit receives an operation to display the power usage record,
2. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein said display control unit displays said graph on said display unit together with an operation screen for accepting settings related to control of power usage by a user according to an operation accepted by said acceptance unit. Device. The receiving unit receives an operation to display the power usage record,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit displays the graph on the display unit in accordance with an operation received by the reception unit, before receiving a user's setting related to power usage control. The receiving unit receives an operation to display the power usage record,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display control unit displays said graph on said display unit when accepting a user's setting related to power usage control according to an operation accepted by said accepting unit. 11. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein said receiving unit includes operation means for receiving a setting related to power consumption control by a user's contact operation on said display unit. the computer,
Display control means for displaying a screen on a display device;
functioning as a receiving means for receiving settings related to power usage control by the user;
In the function of the display control means, causing the display device to display the power usage record for each predetermined time period as a graph for each time period, and to display information regarding the date and time of the time period on the graph ;
As a function of the receiving means, receiving selection of at least one of the power usage records for each time period in the graph displayed on the display device;
A program that, as a function of the display control means, displays on the display device a time-series graph in which power usage results for each time period in a specific period including the time period selected in the graph are arranged in time series.

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